Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of vibration training (WBVT)
under hypoxic and normoxic conditions on the voluntary rate of force development (RFD),
balance and muscle oxygen saturation (SMO2) in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 10 participants completed the study (30%
males, 44.4±7.7 years, 164.3±8.9 cm, 65.2±11.1 kg, 2.5±1.3 Expanded Disability Status
Scale, 24.1±4.0 kg.m−2 BMI). Maximal force, RFD during isometric knee extension, static balance with eyes
open and closed and sit-to-stand test were evaluated before and immediately after
one session of WBVT (12 60-s bout of vibration; frequency 35 Hz; amplitude 4 mm; 1-min
rest intervals) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In addition, SMO2 of the gastrocnemius lateralis was assessed during each condition. No changes were
found in force, static balance and sit-to-stand test. Time-to-peak RFD increased in
the left leg (p=0.02) and tended to increase in the right leg (p=0.06) after the hypoxic
session. SMO2 resulted in significant increases from the initial to final intervals of the WBVT
under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions (p<0.05). Increases in SMO2 during WBVT demonstrates muscle work that may contribute to the observed muscle adaptations
in long-term WBVT programs without inducing decreases in neuromuscular activation,
physical function and balance within a session.
Key words
vibration training - neurological disorders - strength - muscle oxygenation - functional
capacity
